Copy Requests

Most Library and Archives materials may be copied unless their physical condition or legal constraints prohibit it. We reserve the right to deny copying of materials. Rare, fragile, and large format items such as bound newspapers may not be copied. Most other printed or microform items may be copied.

Researchers who cannot visit the Library-Archives may order copies by e-mail or letter. We do not accept orders by phone. In your request, please be sure to include a specific reference to title, author and page numbers for library materials; and collection title, call number, box and folder number (if known) for archival materials. Copies may be delivered as a PDF or mailed as photocopies. Normal turn-around time is approximately two to four weeks, but may be longer.

Please note: Requests that do not include a specific reference to title, author and page numbers will be treated as requests for research assistance. The Library and Archives can only provide limited research service and we reserve the right to turn down research requests on a case-by-case basis.

List of Fees

The Library-Archives can only provide limited research assistance to those who cannot visit the Historical Society. If you need assistance conducting your research, please contact us, and we will advise you regarding whether we can undertake the work.

Service

SocietyMembers

Non-Members WI Residents

Non-Members Out of State

Copies ordered by mail or email

$10 Service Charge per order* plus 25¢/page

$15 Service Charge per order* plus 25¢/page

$20 Service Charge per order* plus 25¢/page

Sound Recordings

$10 Service Charge plus $20/hour of original audio, choice of CD or MP3 file

$15 Service Charge plus $20/hour of original audio, choice of CD or MP3 file

$20 Service Charge plus $20/hour of original audio, choice of CD or MP3 file

Purchasing Copies of Pre-1907 Vital RecordsThe Society provides copies of birth, death, and marriage registrations, compiled Civil War service records and biographical information. These records are searchable from our Research Your Family History page, and may be ordered directly through an online store. For assistance with the online index please email historydocs@wisconsinhistory.org

Service

SocietyMembers

Non-Members WI Residents

Non-Members Out of State

Pre-1907 Birth, Marriage and Death Records

10% discount

$15 per record

$15 per record

Civil War Service Records

10% discount

$20 per name searched

$20 per name searched

Wisconsin Name Index (Biographical Information)

10% discount

$15 per record provided

$15 per record provided

Methods of Payment

Credit card (Visa or MasterCard) payment is preferred and is required for international orders. If you are unable or unwilling to pay via credit card, contact staff to discuss other methods of payment. Staff will provide instructions about payment via email, but questions about fees can be directed to reference staff 608-264-6535 (library) or 608-264-6460 (archives).

On-Site Copying / Self-Service Copying

In the Archives:

Visitors may use self-service machines to copy most archival material or save images to a flash drive for free. Paper copies cost ($.07) per page. Wiscards are required for printing, non-UW Madison guests may obtain a guest copy card at the reference desk. Photographs may not be scanned to a flash drive, but paper copying is allowed.

Additionally, we do allow the use of digital photography in the archives. Researchers wanting to take photos should bring their own equipment and must agree to our reference photography agreement before taking any photographs.

In the Library:

Visitors may use self-service machines to copy printed materials and microforms or save images to a flash drive. Copies cost ($.07) from printed materials and ($.25) from microforms. Saving images to a flash drive is free. Copiers do not operate with cash but rather with a Wisccard. Non-UW Madison guests may obtain a guest copy card from the reference desk.

Microfilm Sales

The Historical Society does maintain its own microfilm production lab, and it is possible to purchase reels of microfilm for both personal and institutional use. A catalog of microfilm is available for our website and orders are filled directly through this online store.

Photographs

The Historical Society can make digital and print reproductions of photographs and other visual materials in our holding. The Society's holdings contain millions of photographs, of which

If you are interested in images not currently available on our website, we will conduct limited research into our holdings. More extensive research assistance may be possible on a case-by-case basis by contacting the visual archives. Normal turn-around time is approximately two to four weeks, but may be longer.